Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has launched a scathing attack on the country’s justice system following a Senate decision to strip him of his lifetime immunity. This move now opens the door for potential prosecution over serious allegations, including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and involvement in an insurrectional movement connected to the M23 rebel group operating in the DRC’s eastern regions.

Kabila served as the president of the DRC from 2001 until 2019 and retained political influence through his status as a “senator for life,” a title that granted him immunity from prosecution. However, on Thursday, the Congolese Senate overwhelmingly voted to revoke this immunity, responding to a request from the government. The decision marks a significant shift in Congolese politics and has stirred controversy both domestically and internationally.

In response, Kabila addressed the public through a livestreamed speech from an undisclosed location on Friday. He sharply criticized the DRC’s justice system, claiming it had become “an instrument of oppression for a dictatorship desperately trying to survive.” He accused the current leadership in Kinshasa of making "arbitrary decisions with disconcerting levity," expressing deep concern over the erosion of rule of law and fairness in judicial processes.

Now 53, Kabila has been in self-imposed exile since 2023. He denies any association with the M23 rebel group, which has been linked to Rwanda and has captured key cities in eastern Congo amid the ongoing conflict. Despite his exile, Kabila has stated on multiple occasions that he intends to return and contribute to resolving the crisis plaguing the eastern provinces, which have long been marred by instability, violence, and humanitarian disasters.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba provided details on the charges Kabila may face, including allegations that he supported insurgent activities and bore responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. These charges are tied to M23’s activities in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, an area that has drawn significant international attention due to its vast reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt and coltan.

Kabila, in his speech, reaffirmed his commitment to the nation, asserting that the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are “non-negotiable.” He referenced his military background, stating, “As a soldier, I swore to defend my country to the supreme sacrifice … I remain more faithful than ever to this oath.”

The potential return of Kabila to the DRC adds a new layer of complexity to ongoing peace efforts in the east. The United States, under former President Donald Trump’s administration, has shown strong interest in securing access to the region's strategic mineral resources. Washington is currently advocating for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, expected to be signed in the summer. This agreement is likely to include mineral trade deals designed to attract billions in Western investment, as per Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, cited by Reuters.

Overall, the removal of Kabila’s immunity and the resulting political turmoil underscore the fragility of governance and justice in the DRC, amid deep-rooted regional conflicts and growing international competition for mineral wealth.